North Augusta council imposes moratorium on new apartment developments through 2027

The North Augusta City Council voted unanimously Feb. 3 to impose a moratorium on the issuance of new permits for multifamily (apartment) developments until Aug. 7, 2027.

Council members said the moratorium is tied to the city's forthcoming comprehensive-plan update and a rewrite of the development code. Council approved an amendment clarifying that the moratorium applies specifically to 'multifamily' developments.

City staff described the ordinance as intended to buy time for the planning department, planning commission and council to align standards and incentives before additional large apartment projects proceed. The ordinance text and staff comments say the moratorium will remain in effect until the city adopts an updated development code or "other city ordinances" addressing multifamily housing, or until Aug. 7, 2027, whichever comes first.

The ordinance includes several exemptions: projects already in approved or ongoing planned developments (PDs) are not affected; properties with an approved development or site plan remain eligible to proceed; and the council retains authority to approve additional PDs that would permit multifamily dwellings during the moratorium.

During public comment, Jason…